ASI to restore iconic Barapullah Bridge in Delhi
ASI has embarked on a restoration mission, aiming to transform the historic site into a major tourist attraction (Photo: LG Delhi Twitter)
The 400-year-old Barapullah Bridge, a magnificent Mughal-era structure, once stood as a symbol of architectural brilliance and cultural heritage. Today, however, it faces the harsh realities of urban encroachment and neglect. Amidst a sea of garbage, makeshift shops, and sewage accumulation, the bridge has become unrecognisable. In a bid to reclaim its past glory, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has embarked on a restoration mission, aiming to transform the historic site into a major tourist attraction that celebrates Delhi’s rich Mughal legacy.
Glimpse into history
Constructed in 1621-22, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Barapullah Bridge was initially built to serve as an essential crossing over the Yamuna River, connecting the areas of Nizamuddin and Darya Ganj and Humayun’s Tomb while travelling from Agra. In 1628, the road between the bridge and Humayun’s Tomb was a wide tree-lined path and was considered the most beautiful bridge in Delhi. Known for its majestic arches and intricate design, the bridge was a marvel of Mughal engineering, showcasing their expertise in creating durable structures that stood the test of time.
The structure is named Barapullah due to its 12 piers and 11 arches. It was built by Minar Banu Agha and commissioned by Emperor Jehangir.
The bridge served as a vital artery for trade and communication, facilitating easy movement across the river. It was an integral part of the Mughal road network. The bridge’s architectural style blends Islamic and Persian influences, characteristic of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. As time progressed, the bridge became a testament to an era of cultural flourishing, where art, architecture, and engineering came together.
However, over time, as urbanisation expanded and the city grew around it, the bridge started to lose its former significance. In the 20th century, its role diminished, and it became a mere relic of the past, often overshadowed by the sprawling development in its vicinity.
Struggle with modernity
Today, the Barapullah Bridge lies shrouded in layers of encroachment. Shops, makeshift structures, and piles of garbage have taken over its vicinity, with untreated sewage, encroachments, and damaged piers rendering it almost unrecognisable as a historical site threatening the integrity of the structure.
It now stands decrepit and almost unrecognisable, bearing the heavy scars of time and neglect. Positioned above the Barapullah drain, the bridge’s surroundings have become a stark contrast to its once majestic history. The drain itself is a disturbing sight, with untreated sewage flowing from nearby areas, while de-silting work continues in a manner that seems far removed from the bridge’s cultural significance.
This accumulation of debris and waste has led to the degradation of the surroundings, overshadowing the bridge’s architectural beauty.
On one side of the bridge, a line of vegetable stalls now clutters the pavement, a reminder of how the area has been overtaken by commercial activities. Nearby, unfinished concrete structures, part of a colony that has sprouted alongside the bridge have encroached upon the heritage site, causing significant damage to its piers and weakening its structural integrity.
The people residing in the adjacent colony, however, appear largely unaware of the bridge’s historical importance. To them, the market that had taken root on the bridge until recently, when encroachments were cleared, held more immediate value as a local hub for daily necessities, clothes, and shoes. For many, the bridge has simply become a convenient marketplace, overshadowing its original purpose as a monument of architectural and cultural heritage.
In response to this, an anti-encroachment drive was initiated in the past week to clear the area. This step aimed to restore not only the physical space around the bridge but also its cultural significance. Despite these efforts, the bridge itself remains in a delicate state, calling for urgent attention to preserve it as a piece of Delhi’s rich heritage.
ASI’s restoration mission
ASI, which holds the responsibility for the Barapullah Bridge’s restoration, says it will embark on a meticulous process to restore the bridge’s original structure. Over the next three months, experts and engineers will work on stabilising and preserving the bridge’s historic elements while ensuring that it can withstand the pressures of modern-day traffic and urbanisation.
ASI’s plan includes cleaning the structure, repairing the arches, and removing encroaching structures around it. The restoration will also focus on preventing further degradation due to pollution, which has affected the bridge’s stonework over the years. The hope is that the Barapullah Bridge will not only regain its architectural splendour but also reassert its cultural significance in the modern urban landscape.
The Barapullah Bridge’s journey from a Mughal marvel to a neglected space littered with garbage is a reminder of the challenges faced by India’s heritage in the face of urban expansion. While development is essential for a growing city like Delhi, it should not come at the cost of erasing the cultural markers that tell the story of its past.
As the restoration of the historic Barapullah Bridge moves forward, Nadeem Hussain, Chief Architect at the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), sheds light on the current status of the project. With the bridge’s restoration being crucial to preserving its Mughal-era grandeur, the ASI is working diligently to secure the necessary resources for the task.
“The conservation estimate for the restoration of Barapullah Bridge has been submitted for approval, and we are currently awaiting the release of funds. Once approved, we will proceed with the necessary work to restore the bridge to its former glory, ensuring its architectural integrity and cultural significance are preserved for future generations,” Hussain, tells Media India Group.
As part of the ongoing efforts to restore the historic bridge significant progress has been made in clearing the area of illegal encroachments.
“As of now, we have successfully removed 120 vendors who had illegally encroached upon the Barapullah Bridge over the past two decades. This step is crucial in restoring the bridge’s surroundings and preserving its historical significance,” Hussain added.
